Access to broadband has become essential for the social and economic benefits it provides to American residents, businesses, governments and communities. Broadband is crucial for increased health, educational and economic opportunities, as well as for job and business creation and growth. Broadband can help close the digital divide between rural and urban communities.

LOAD is the primary contact for all telecom borrowers and grant applicants. It consists of a Financial Operations Branch, an Engineering Branch and two Field Staff Branches which supervise General Field Representatives (GFRs). The GFRs help borrowers develop and submit loan applications and support materials. The Financial Operations and Engineering Branches within LOAD provide guidance to borrowers for all financial and operational activities, as well as assistance with the development and approval of loan applications and environmental clearance. LOAD is also responsible for grant application review, scoring and award. Activities within LOAD continue through loan/grant approval and the obligation of funds.

General Field Representatives providing Customer Service to Our Borrowers

The Telecom Program maintains a staff of General Field Representatives (GFRs) stationed around the country. GFRs are an integral part of our outreach delivery system. GFRs meet regularly with borrowers at the borrowers’ locations. GFRs serve as the local information conduit for the borrowers and headquarters staff. They keep borrowers current on issues that profoundly impact their business.

The Portfolio Management and Risk Assessment Division (PMRAD) consist of four branches: two Post-Loan Servicing Engineering Branches, a Post-Loan Servicing Financial Operations Branch, and a Portfolio Management Financial Operations Branch. All four of the branches provide post-loan and grant services to the loans and grants made by the Telecom Program, with the Engineering Branches primarily involved with the review and approval of contracts and approval of advances of loan and grant funds for approved projects. The Operations Branches review financial and operational performance of borrowers and grantees, monitor compliance and repayment, and address other issues pertaining to loan and grant legal requirements.

The Policy and Outreach Division (POD) consists of a Policy and Outreach Branch (OPOB) and an Engineering Branch. The Policy and Outreach Branch reviews agency policies, revises them as needed and communicates them to our customers. POD also plans and coordinates outreach activities with borrowers, associations and other Telecom Program stakeholders. Outreach efforts provide valuable opportunities for customer engagement and provide important and timely feedback for the Telecom Program to update its products and services. The Engineering Branch develops and maintains engineering bulletins, regulations and related activities.